The color experts at Pantone have selected Classic Blue1 as the 2020 Color of the Year. The strong yet serene hue promotes feelings of familiarity and safety. It’s a stark contrast to last year’s winner, Living Coral,2 a lively pink. Why the big change? Here’s how the Color of the Year is selected and how you can incorporate it into your decorating scheme.
Color Expertise
First things first: What is Pantone and why is it selecting a color of the year? The company has been around since the 1950s and is most famous for the Pantone Color Matching System. This system allows for standardized sets of colors that can be replicated by any manufacturer in any location. These colors are then printed in the company’s Color Guides (swatches combined into a fan deck) and distributed. The system provides an easy way for manufacturers to accurately reproduce colors.
So, it’s safe to say Pantone knows color. In the year 2000, nearly four decades after the company was founded, it began selecting its Color of the Year. Over the past 20 years, this selection has become a rather big deal, and now the company holds a large annual event in New York City to unveil it. The result? More brand recognition and collaborations with other businesses who want to be a part of the year’s official color. Pantone takes the award very seriously and considers a variety of aesthetic and societal factors to come up with the winner.
Why Classic Blue?
Classic Blue may sound a bit ho-hum, but it’s actually a very dynamic color. Blues, in general, tend to give off a calming vibe, but Classic Blue has an undercurrent of strength that sets it apart. Not only is it welcoming, but it also has a dependable, steadfast quality to it that is comforting and reassuring in today’s uncertain times.
At Craftmark Homes, we recognize the value of incorporating a soothing, relaxing color scheme for the home, which makes Classic Blue a spectacular addition to any room. It’s perfect as an accent wall in your living or family room. However, if you would rather enjoy small pops of Classic Blue rather than painting an entire area, look to places such as window frames, trim, or decorative items. Make a statement with a blue leather couch or cabinet section, or try something more subtle such as throw pillows, lamps, artwork and area rugs. It doesn’t have to be the focal point of a room to make a noticeable impact on the overall aesthetic. Pair it with earth tones or whites for a harmonious style that’s sure to impress.
Craftmark Homes has been a premier home builder in the Washington, D.C. area for over 27 years. We love this year’s Color of the Year and are integrating it into our interior designs (such as in some of our homes at Towns at South Alex® pictured above). If you’re in the market for a new home and want luxurious options in prime locations, contact us today to set up a consultation. We’ll help you build the dream home you’ve always wanted.